Expression of IdeasVery hardSynthesis: making a claim and supporting it with a specific detail
Expression of Ideas practice question
While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes:
- Mary Anning found the first complete ichthyosaur skeleton in 1811–12.
- She found the first two plesiosaur skeletons, in 1823 and 1830.
- She found the first British pterosaur in 1828.
- She identified fossilised droppings, then called bezoar stones, as droppings.
- Geologist William Buckland named them coprolites in 1829, building on her observation.
The student wants to argue that Anning contributed to scientific understanding, not merely to collections. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
- A. Anning's contribution went beyond finding specimens: she identified the so-called bezoar stones as fossilised droppings, an observation on which William Buckland built when he named them coprolites in 1829.Correct
- B. Anning found the first complete ichthyosaur skeleton.
- C. Anning found the first British pterosaur in 1828.
- D. Anning found two plesiosaur skeletons.
Answer: A. Anning's contribution went beyond finding specimens: she identified the so-called bezoar stones as fossilised droppings, an observation on which William Buckland built when he named them coprolites in 1829.
An interpretation that science built on, not just a find.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. Anning found the first complete ichthyosaur skeleton.
- A find.
- C. Anning found the first British pterosaur in 1828.
- A find.
- D. Anning found two plesiosaur skeletons.
- Finds.
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